Ecuador safety & security on the road
 

Hello,

the ecuadorian government declared the « state of internal war « against the narcos gangs since 2024 december 10th for a 60 days period with a curfew from 11 pm to 6 am.
Any rider currently in Ecuador or heading to ?
I am planing to cross Ecuador from Peru to Colombia by mid march, infos, advice from travelers welcomed

Wouldn't worry about the distorted and sensationalized media.

You need to get on the local Ecuadorian channels on X to get the "real" news.

e.g. https://twitter.com/EcuadorPlay

I live in Colombia and I'm crossing into Ecuador on Sunday, not worried at all.

If you didn't see the news, I doubt you would even know anything was going on. It's very localized and maybe an issue if you are a narco or gang member.

Note that:

On January 11, 2024. The Government of Ecuador announced new entry restrictions in response to the ongoing state of internal armed conflict.

All foreigners entering Ecuador at land borders (this presumably includes river crossings) will need to present a criminal record check from their country of origin or residence. It must be apostilled and cover the past five years. Minors travelling with their family members will generally be exempt."

Thanks for the feedback

Good to know beforehand! Thanks

Nobody knows how it will be tomorrow.
Even less in mid march.

But anyhow.
Both for security reasons. And becouse I do not want to ride the gringo route.
I used the bordercrossing at La Balza. Layed back and tranquila.
And to get to La Balsa you will need to travel some jungle in Peru. That in itself is nice. (I did not meet one single foreigner in Peru. And the persons I talked to at cafés and hotels said that there are almost no tourists coming this way.)

And I ride in El Oriente in Ecuador = La Selva towards Colombia.
Entering Colombia close to Nueva Loja
Very quiet so far...
(The police helped me find the "best" hotel. And told me about a place where I could change money...People are playing volleyball and relaxing.
But again That is Loja area today. That is the only thing that I know of)

=
I had planned for some beach days in Salinas.
But via Guayaquil.... No way.

I added a picture from a small town in South of Ecuador
Saturday evening

Thank you Erik for sharing your road choice and ride experience across Ecuador.
Nice shots , vaillant Royal Enfield !

I crossed today (Jan 14) into Ecuador from Colombia at Rumichaca and wasn't asked for this. The border crossing, including the Ecuador TIP took me under 30 mins. It really is a stupid simple border crossing :-)

On the way to Quito, they had a few police/military checkpoints and they waved me thru.

Quito is business as usual. Plenty of stores are open and people are out and about on a Sunday.

Good to have news on this - thanks for sharing.

I have been reading the local newspapers and the actual agreement (Acuerdo Ministerial Nro. 0007).

This new requirement for the police record is not a 100% rule regardless of your nationality or purpose etc, it has exceptions. It's not indefinite, it would be in place over the next 60 days.

It "appears" to be a way to target Colombian gang members, traffickers, and bad people who frequently cross the border, at various locations.

According to local reports, operational guidelines for compliance have not yet been issued, however, the provision "could" come into effect next week.

1,000's of people and vehicles cross the various border points daily.
Inforcing this would be a nightmare.

That said...

I'm pretty sure if you rock up on your 1200 GS, you are not going to have a problem entering Ecuador.

Requrement
 

I agree. The rules are not clear.
That makes it open for local or personal interpretation.

Two Europen got 10 days visa. Transit visa to ride from Colombian border to Perubian border. Firsr message was 5 days. But they were able to get 10 .

The risk seems to be low. But as long as the rule is unclear, there is always a risk.

When I entered from Peru, I talked to the Ecuadorian migration.
And asured thar were no problem. Before stamping out of Peru.

It would be a very unplesant to exit Peru including termination of the TIP for the bike.
And then be refused entry to Ecuador. And have to reenter Peru.

But this uncertities we have to live with and handle.
It is South America

La Balza crossing into Ecuador
 

Erik,

I'm in Cajamarca and riding North tomorrow Wednesday.
Will try to cross Friday 26th, I'm not very hopeful, just wondered what you think about my chances?

Regards,

John

they give only transit visa for 10 days if you can't produce the antecendentes penales paper.
i crossed today showing a hotel reservation in ipiales,also speaking spanish helps a lot.

anyone having news entering ecuador by land???
so far cuenca,riobamba,banhos all quiet and beautiful.

the real crazy thing is that all the drug bosses can fly in first class and don't have to show anything:innocent::nono::thumbdown:doh
good luck to all

Ecuador
 

Most of the country seams safe.

I have the same view as above.
Transit Visa seams to have been established the rule.

Thats the latest.

But we can only assume that Visa rules wilk return to normal.

But at leasr there are no problems traveling from Peru to Colombia or the other way.
In max 10 days.